Conclusion

Mott MacDonald is optimistic about the direction of travel regarding English devolution; specifically, we are supportive of the English Devolution White Paper as a step toward a less centralised system of government. 

Ultimately it is local policymakers who will determine whether devolution is successful on the ground. Our experience and the research we have conducted among local decision-makers suggests that the English Devolution White Paper aligns well with the issues that matter to them, putting it in a good position to achieve its aims.

While devolution is in part about self-determination, it must operate within a broader set of national policies and guidance to ensure consistency across city regions and other areas.

The government must be bold in its approach if it is to realise substantive change in the near term. However, this degree of reorganisation will require time and significant effort - and it is crucial that this does not distract from delivering in other areas.

Most important of all, devolution cannot simply add up to a change in management structures. It has to drive sustainable economic growth by harnessing housebuilding and investment in new and improved infrastructure across the board to create vibrate communities and places. It must also factor in new imperatives such as the drive for densification in urban areas to support stronger growth outcomes, a renewed focus on public transport and the need to integrate strategic energy issues into local area planning.

In developing the detail that will flesh out the aspirations of the English Devolution White Paper, the government and other stakeholders should keep the three themes discussed in this paper front of mind:

• Strategic growth and associated infrastructure must both be coordinated at a city-regional or regional level, with the Planning and Infrastructure Bill being an important step forward in this regard.
• There needs to be further simplification and devolution of funding pots to enable effective, locally-prioritised, deployment of resources.
• Greater powers will require a sea change in the level of funding that local government has experienced in recent years, not least in terms of the capacity and capability to deliver new infrastructure in a complex and interconnected environment.

As we have described, successful delivery of place-based growth will need to be underpinned by the integration of core infrastructure and housing delivery. Leaders of the new and reframed strategic authorities will be seeking solutions that build on past successes, examples of which are highlighted in this paper. At the same time, they will be looking to hone their ability to navigate the new dynamics in regional and local policy and investment heralded by the English Devolution White Paper.